ASTER Technologies and ITOCHU Corporation announce Strategic Partnership.

TPQR for TAKAYA is a “low-cost” test coverage analysis tool that allows users to independently compute the test coverage provided by TAKAYA alone, or combined with other test/inspection equipments.

TPQR is built around the QuadView, next generation viewers for the Electronics Industry. Utilizing this powerful layout and schematic viewer, allows users to visualize coverage at both device and pin level. This software imports the TAKAYA test program, computes the test coverage and generates detailed reports in HTML and MS-EXCEL format that provide precise, detailed and impartial international test coverage metrics, such as PPVS and PCOLA/SOQ.

When the TAKAYA is combined with Boundary-Scan test equipment such as:

ACCULOGIC, ASSET, CORELIS, Flynn, GOEPEL, JTAG Technologies or XJTAG, the TAKAYA test program is dynamically optimized by removing the redundant test steps. The flying probe test time could be reduced by a factor of 30% to 80%, significantly increasing the throughput on the production line.

Mr. Christophe LOTZ, Managing Director of ASTER said, “We are extremely pleased to be working closely with ITOCHU because they are leading provider of the TAKAYA flying probe test systems for the worldwide electronic board test industry. The partnership with ASTER will allow ITOCHU’s customers to benefit from the in-depth coverage analysis and the powerful visualization provide by the QuadView-TPQR product.”

Visitors to PRODUCTRONICA 2009, November 10-13, can come to the ASTER Technologies at Booth 232, Hall 1 where Aster representatives will be present to provide further details on the product.

About ASTER Technologies

ASTER is the leading supplier in Board-Level Testability analysis tools, capitalizing on proven expertise in board testability and strong customer relations. Founded in 1993, ASTER develops a wide range of products dealing with PCB Testability, Test Coverage Analysis, Viewing and Quality Management.

For more information about the company and its solutions, please visit www.aster-technologies.com or call ASTER on +33 299 83 01 01.

About ITOCHU Corporation

ITOCHU Corporation - with head offices in Tokyo and Osaka - is one of the leading world-wide universal trading companies. More than 150 years experience in global trade has made ITOCHU a competent partner in all business sectors. ITOCHU is involved in almost all branches of the economy and plays a major role in international trade. 138 branch offices in 85 countries and more than 651 subsidiaries and affiliates belonging to the group.

(www. itochu.co.jp)

ITOCHU SysTech GmbH is a subsidiary, which is specialized in planning, sales and service of innovative production and test systems for the electronic and microelectronic industries , as well as individual machines and complete lines for the automation of industrialized production processing. The head office for all European activities is located in Düsseldorf. Offices in Italy, France, Poland and partners in almost every country guarantee optimal customer service.

(www.itochu-systech.de)